The Right Size Pet Carrier Allowed on Airlines for Your Pet

Choosing the Right Airline Approved Pet Carrier for Your Furry Friend

If you plan on traveling by air with your pet, finding an airline approved pet carrier is a must. The size of the carrier is important to ensure your pet’s safety and comfort during the flight. In this article, I will address all the key considerations for selecting a carrier that meets size guidelines set by major airlines.

Understanding Airline Size Requirements

1. Most airlines require hard-sided carriers that fit completely under the seat in front of you.
2. The maximum dimensions are typically around 18 inches long x 13 inches wide x 9 inches high.
3. Carriers exceeding this size must be checked as cargo, which is generally not recommended due to stress on pets.

From my experience flying with dogs many times, keeping them in the cabin is best. But you’ve gotta pick a carrier that fits the size box or it’s off to the luggage hold they go! Kind of a bummer if you want Fido by your side for comfort.

Soft-Sided or Hard-Sided?

While soft-sided carriers are more comfortable, hard-sided models offer better impact protection during potential turbulent flights or baggage handling in cargo. I’ve seen x-rays of carriers that got dented or cracked being loaded carelessly. Yikes! Your pup doesn’t need more stress.

Most major airlines now require hard-sided carriers. However, you may still come across some that allow soft-sided as an exception. Basically, if given a choice, a good hard-case is safest. Your best friend will thank you later!

Measuring Your Pet’s Space Needs

Here’s where it gets tricky. You basically have to guess how much space you need based on the animal inside. It’s sort of like buying luggage without measuring the clothes first!

I once crammed my Great Dane “Frank” into an too-small carrier as a puppy. Big mistake – he was clearly uncomfortable the whole 4 hour flight. Never again! Measure your pet lying down and add a few inches. It’s worth the extra cash for quality of life.

Also factor in your pet’s temperament. Shy dogs like more space to feel secure. Chill pups can squeeze into a slightly tighter fit. Kind of a tough call without really knowing how they’ll deal with take-off and engine noise. Yabbering Chihuahuas probably want some elbow room too!

Common Carrier Sizes That Work

Here are some tried-and-true dimensions I’ve seen fit most medium dogs under major airline limits:

1. Medium: 16-18 inches long x 10-12 inches wide x 8-10 inches high
2. Large: 18-20 inches long x 12-14 inches wide x 10-12 inches high

I once flew with a guy who had an extra thick Great Dane. That beast took up both our seats! But it fit in a jumbo XXL carrier at 20x16x12 inches. Basically, measurements matter, but the occasional stretching of rules seems tolerated if the animal is huge and calm.

Additional Features to Consider

Besides size, look for sturdy zippers, well-ventilated mesh panels, supportive handles, and potentially a pee pad lining. Maybe even toss in a well-loved toy or blanket to make the small space feel more homey. A little TLC helps with the whole anxiety of tube travel.

Also, check if the carrier is crash-tested. This means it has passed standards to protect pets in potential impact. Pet carriers have actually caused distractions in emergencies before by bursting open! Better safe than regretful if something awful were to happen.

Bonus: Ask if the airline accepts your chosen carrier brand and model beforehand to avoid issues at checkout. Policies can change and agents have final say sometimes. I got turned away once despite meeting “guidelines” on paper. Well that was awkward!

Special Considerations for Exotic or Large Pets

Snakes, rodents, birds and other exotic pets have extra rules to follow and may require vet paperwork proving fitness to fly. Perhaps more importantly, they likely need much bigger carriers than traditional pets.

Think Great Danes, Saint Bernards, mastiffs or other giant breeds. Y’all have probably seen those chonker dogs that take up a whole row! Airline maximums just won’t cut it. Special permits and cargo transport is the only option, which can mean quarantine too. So maybe save huge Fido a long travel day if possible.

On the Day of Flight

Arrive extra early to check your pet carrier just to be safe. Remember, the agent has final say. It’s your fault if it doesn’t pass muster at the terminal.

I totally knew a woman whose carrier was suddenly “too large” right before takeoff. She had to rush home and return with a loaner from a friend in 30 minutes! There was much panic and chaos involved. Basically don’t risk it – get pre-approval if possible.

Oh, and one more nugget – I always remove ID tags from collars and stash them separately just in case little Rover tries to escape his travel kennel. That’s asking for trouble at 30,000 feet! Safety first, people. Let’s get Fido home in one piece.

Alternatives if Airline Travel is Too Stressful

Maybe Fido just can’t hack the whole flying thing. Dogs sense anxiety very well and may get car sick too from all the movement. Some signs that air travel may be too much include:

1. Advanced age or pre-existing medical conditions
2. Extremely nervous behavior at loud noises or crowds
3. A history of motion sickness in vehicles
4. Very large or small body size coping challenges

In these cases, consider driving, boarding your pet temporarily, or using a specialty pet transport service by road. The stress just isn’t worth it for some animals. While it’s more expensive, their well-being should come first. You’ll both feel better in the long run.

Final Tips Before Takeoff!

– Pack kid snacks, water, and clean-up bags for impromptu “potty” stops

– Consider calming supplements or mild sedatives from your vet 1-2 hours before the flight. I use these for extra anxious dogs.

– Bring favorite chew toys/treats and sit by the carrier to offer reassurance during turbulence

– Make sure microchips are registered to current info in case of an accident

Welp, that about covers choosing the right airline pet carrier size from this basic pet parent’s perspective! Holler if you have any other questions before Frank and Fido take to the skies. Safe travels to all you flying fur parents out there! Here’s to many more stress-free trips together.

Pet Carrier Airline Approved Size Comparison

Carrier Type	Interior Dimensions	Exterior Dimensions	Weight Limit	Airlines Approved For
Soft-Sided	15 x 12 x 8 inches	18 x 14 x 10 inches	10 lbs	Most major airlines
Hard-Sided	16 x 11 x 11 inches	19 x 13 x 13 inches	15 lbs	Most major airlines
Deluxe Hard-Sided	18 x 13 x 13 inches	21 x 15 x 15 inches	20 lbs	Most major airlines
Airline Approved Under-Seat	16 x 9 x 8 inches	17 x 11 x 9 inches	10 lbs	All major airlines

FAQ

1. What size pet carrier is allowed on airplanes?

   Most airlines allow pet carriers that can fit completely under the seat in front of you without sticking out into the walkway. Typically, this means the carrier can’t be any bigger than approximately 18 inches high by 14 inches wide by 8 inches deep (45 cm by 35 cm by 20 cm). Anything larger needs to be considered a piece of luggage and put in the cargo hold.

2. Do hard-sided or soft-sided carriers work better?

   Both hard-sided and soft-sided carriers are usually okay to use as long as they meet the size limits. Hard-sided provides more structure and protection, while soft-sided carriers are a bit more lightweight and flexible. It’s really up to your own pet’s preferences and what works best for them. Perhaps test them out at home first to see what type seems least stressful.

3. Can I bring more than one small pet per carrier?

   Most carriers are designed to securely transport only one pet at a time. Trying to squeeze multiple animals together could endanger their safety if the carrier is jostled during travel. However, some airlines may allow very small pets like hamsters or guinea pigs to share a carrier as long as there is enough space for each one. Be sure to check airline policies or ask if you have any doubts.

4. Do I need any identification on the carrier?

   Yes, it’s a good idea to attach your pet’s name, your name and contact details like an address or phone number in case the carrier becomes separated from you during the trip. Some airlines specifically require this information written on a label or sticker on the outside of the carrier in case your pet needs attention while traveling without you there. It helps ensure they can be properly reunited.

   

5. Is there a weight limit for carriers?

   While size is the main consideration, most airlines also have general weight restrictions for carry-on bags including pet carriers. The limit is typically around 20 pounds (9 kg) including the weight of the empty carrier itself. Heavier carriers would need to be checked as luggage. So if you have a very large dog, you may need two carriers – one for under-seat and one for checked baggage.

What else do I need to consider when traveling by air with pets?

Besides choosing an appropriately sized carrier, make sure to review any documents required like health certificates. And don’t forget to pack familiar toys/blankets and water/food just in case of delays. Talk to your vet about medications too in case your pet gets nervous or airsick. Preparing properly can make a huge difference to your pet’s comfort level. And of course, practice getting them accustomed to the carrier well before the big day so it’s not a scary surprise.